What happened with Joel Soriano at Casademont Zaragoza?
Dominican center Joel Soriano finished his loan at Casademont Zaragoza and, after his contract expired, Valencia Basket decided not to renew it, leaving the interior player without a link as of July 9, 2026.
How did Soriano impact Zaragoza's season?
During the 2025‑2026 campaign, Soriano played 16 ACB games with 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, achieving a valuation of 6.9. In the FIBA Europe Cup he added 9 games with 6.7 points and 3.1 rebounds, earning 5.9 valuation. His contributions in the low post helped Zaragoza stay competitive in the mid‑table.
What numbers did he record in the Liga Endesa with Valencia?
In the final stretch of the season, Soriano appeared in 8 Liga Endesa games for Valencia Basket, scoring 5 points, grabbing 3.8 rebounds and blocking 1 shot per game, with a valuation of 6.8. He was then loaned to ratiopharm Ulm, where in 16 matches he raised his average to 9.3 points and 11.1 valuation, showing a clear improvement in the paint.
What does his departure mean for Casademont Zaragoza?
The Zaragoza club loses an interior who provided energy on the offensive glass and defended the rim with physical presence. However, management had already planned to reinforce the interior with local signings and promote youth from the B team. Soriano's absence opens a slot for Julián Rodríguez or Álvaro Martín to earn minutes in the paint.
What is Valencia Basket's outlook after the decision?
Valencia Basket’s official statement thanked Soriano’s professionalism and wished him success. The franchise, which announced the arrivals of Gonzalo Corbalán, Dylan Osetkowski and TJ Shorts, aims to strengthen its interior line with players experienced in the ACB and EuroLeague, leaving Soriano out of the long‑term project.
What’s next for the Dominican player?
Soriano, 24, is free to negotiate with any club needing a 2.10 m center. Rumors suggest interest from Liga Endesa teams seeking depth in the low post for the second half of the season. His agent confirmed the player is evaluating offers and aims to continue competing at the highest European level.